Karen L. Wiltsie 2003-2004 MACPA Chair of the Board

CPAs are, in general, a pretty humble group. We’re not often seen elbowing our way into the spotlight – vying for media attention or hoping to get quoted in the newspaper. After all, we’re used to working in the background, aren’t we?

Nonetheless, when I see the results of numerous MACPA outreach programs I want to write headlines about the positive impact our profession is having on the communities in which we live. Through our partnerships with forward-thinking organizations, MACPA members make a significant difference in the lives of many.

For example, last month, a couple dozen CPAs volunteered two entire days at Focus: Hope preparing income tax returns for low-income families. Through our partnership with Volunteer Accounting Services Team (VAST – formerly Accounting Aid Society), our members worked with needy families – families who couldn’t otherwise seek the help of a professional. Through the VAST program last year, more than $6.4 million was returned directly to low-income residents in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. This is an excellent program in which CPAs play a significant role.

Our work with Junior Achievement is another example of an important community partnership. Through MACPA’s Accounting Blitz, hundreds of our members from around the state teach financial basics to thousands of elementary and middle school students. From Flint to Detroit, and Grand Rapids to Traverse City, CPAs roll up their sleeves and perch on a teacher’s desk to explain some basic accounting skills like how to balance a checkbook and to talk about their careers in the business world. Games and interactive activities make the learning fun. The kids love this program. So do our CPAs, who come away knowing they’ve touched the lives of children who might not otherwise have access to a caring business professional. (We’re just gearing up for this year’s Accounting Blitz, and new volunteers are always welcome.)

Through our partnership with the Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants, and sponsored in part by Oakland and Wayne State Universities, the MACPA’s High School Leaders Conference attracted a record number of participants last month. This event helps students understand the value of a business degree and encourages them to consider a career in accounting. The passion and enthusiasm shared by our presenters was an inspiration to both student and faculty attendees.

One final effort I’d like to mention is the significant amount of help we provide to a wide spectrum of people during tax season through call-in programs. Our partnerships with media outlets such as WXYZ in metro Detroit, WGVU in Grand Rapids, WNMU in Marquette, and WCMU radio in Mt. Pleasant give members an opportunity to provide tax tips and return preparation advice to hundreds of consumers.

These examples don’t even include the countless hours of dedicated work on the part of individual CPAs with local non-profit boards, schools, scouting groups, religious organizations and more.

When you add it up – our Association through its partnership efforts and individual members dedicated to volunteer work – you’ll see CPAs who are looking beyond today’s issues to serve as critical resources in their communities.

Now that’s a front-page news story.

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